Prevalence and clinical correlates of dissociation symptoms in chinese patients with bipolar disorder: An exploratory cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Increasing studies indicate that dissociation symptoms (DS) are common in bipolar disorder (BD) patients, but little is known about it in Chinese patients. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and clinical correlates of DS in this population.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with BD were recruited between December 2021 and February 2024. The study assessed DS alongside depressive and anxiety symptoms, manic episode frequency and severity, psychotic symptoms, childhood traumatic experiences, borderline personality traits, suicide risk, quality of life (QOL), and demographic data. Statistical analyses mainly included Spearman's correlation and regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 517 BD patients were recruited. The study found that 53.5% had a high-level DS (measured by Dissociative Experiences Scale-II total score ≥30). Those with DS showed earlier age of onset, more severe clinical symptoms, increased childhood trauma and borderline personality traits, and poorer QOL. Correlation analyses revealed significant positive associations between DS and depressive, anxiety, manic, psychotic symptoms, suicide risk, borderline personality traits, and childhood trauma, with a negative correlation to QOL. Regression analyses indicated that depressive (β = 0.243), manic (β = 0.167), childhood traumatic experience (β = 0.113), and borderline personality traits (β = 0.228) significantly predicted DS.

LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional design with convenience sampling and small sample size, backward clinical assessment of psychotic symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

As a preliminary exploratory study, the findings highlight a notable prevalence of DS among Chinese BD patients, emphasizing its association with various clinical characteristics. The findings support targeted screening and early intervention for DS in BD patients.